Hebrink creates a place for lifelong learners

Carrie Jo Hebrink comes from a line of educators, as her mom is currently a special education teacher, and her grandfather was a high school science teacher and a principal in the Renville school district; yes, Hebrink is teaching in the same school as her mom.

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By Troy KrauseEditor

Redwood Falls Gazette

By Troy KrauseEditor

Posted Aug. 27, 2013 at 10:53 AM

By Troy KrauseEditor
Posted Aug. 27, 2013 at 10:53 AM

As a young BOLD student, Carrie Jo Hebrink was sure she would be a teacher.

“Then I got this idea about going into journalism, and as a freshman that was my major,” said Hebrink.

When she discovered that career would likely require her to move away from her familiar roots, Hebrink thought twice and went back to her original plan.

The 2008 BOLD High School graduate earned a degree in elementary education from the Mankato campus of Minnesota State University, and this fall she is teaching first grade at Reede Gray Elementary School.

“I wanted a career where I could be a lifelong learner,” said Hebrink, adding the need to progress in her own education and finding out new things has always been important to her.

Being able to offer the same kind of opportunity to others just made becoming a teacher her best option.

“I want to be the difference in the lives of students,” said Hebrink. “I want to help them find opportunities to be successful in school.”

Hebrink comes from a line of educators, as her mom is currently a special education teacher, and her grandfather was a high school science teacher and a principal in the Renville school district.

“My mom taught in BOLD for a number of years before coming here,” said Hebrink.

That’s right. Hebrink is teaching in the same school as her mom. She said having her available to ask questions and to talk to her about things that are going on in the classroom is great.

“Everyone here is so willing to help,” Hebrink said, adding that good relationship with her mom really helps.

Hebrink said she opted to pursue a degree working with elementary age students because she has the chance to have more of an influence on them when they are young and just starting in their education careers.

Helping them get that positive start is important, said Hebrink, because a good start in education can help them see continued success as they grow.

Not only is Hebrink teaching first graders, she is also working with ninth graders as a volleyball coach.

Having played volleyball in high school, Hebrink wanted to be able to stay involved with the sport, and coaching others is one way she found to be able to do that.

“I love the game,” she said. “This is my opportunity to share what I know.”

When she is not grading papers or working with the volleyball team, Hebrink said she likes to spend time with her family, and in the summer she likes to play sandlot volleyball when she can.

Page 2 of 2 - Things have been going well, said Hebrink, and she is looking forward to what happens the rest of the year.